Dhanteras is a significant Hindu festival celebrated in India two days before Diwali. Also known as Dhanatrayodashi, on this day Lord Dhanvantari, the God of Ayurveda and health, and Goddess Lakshmi are worshipped.
See also: Sankashti Chaturthi Puja dates 2023 and timings
Dhanteras is made of two Sanskrit words – Dhan refers to wealth and Teras signifies the 13th lunar day in the month of Kartika.
Items required for the Dhanteras puja vidhi
- An idol or picture of Lord Dhanvantari and Goddess Lakshmi.
- Lamp and fresh cotton wicks
- Incense sticks
- Flowers
- Garlands
- Raw uncooked rice known as Akshat
- Turmeric powder
- Kumkum (vermilion)
- Sweets or fruits as offerings to the god and goddess
- Copper or silver kalash filled with water
- Coins
Dhanteras Puja Vidhi
Cleanse the puja area: Clean the puja area and decorate it with rangoli and flowers.
Place the idols: Place the idols or pictures of Lord Dhanvantari and Goddess Lakshmi.
Place the diya: Place the diya and light it in front of the god and goddess.
Ganesh chanting: Begin the Puja by taking the blessings of Lord Ganesha. You can start by chanting ‘Om Ganeshaya Namah’ thrice.
Kalash Sthapana: Decorate the kalash with flowers, turmeric powder and kumkum and place it in front of the idols/pictures (Kalash Sthapana). Tie the sacred red thread (mauli) around the neck of the kalash and put some coins in the water. Place mango leaves and coconut to cover the mouth of the kalash.
Aarti: Start the Puja by reciting the Dhanvantari Stotra. Offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi by reciting Lakshmi Ashtakam mantras. Once the Puja is complete, offer the sweets and fruits and perform the Aarti.
FAQs
When is Dhanteras in 2023?
Dhanteras will fall on Friday, November 10, 2023.
What are the things that you should not donate during Dhanteras?
It is believed that broom, garlic, onion, sugar, salt and money should not be given to anyone during Dhanteras.
Why is salt important for Dhanteras?
As per Vaastu, salt, if kept in the northeast corner, absorbs all the negativity in the house and brings peace and money.
What are the things that you can buy on Dhanteras?
Gold, silver, brass, copper, books, clothes, salt, idols of Ganesh and Lakshmi, jewellery, diya, etc. can be bought on Dhanteras.
What are the things that cannot be bought on Dhanteras?
Iron, aluminium, steel, plastic, glass, black clothes, oil, ghee and ceramic objects should not be bought on Dhanteras.
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